Lisbellaw Utd 4 Magheraveely 2

Lisbellaw recorded their first league win of the season against newly promoted Magheraveely, but the reigning champions were made to work hard for the points despite playing against ten men for 60 minutes.
The game was tied at 1-1 when Matthew Morrison received a second yellow card. Magheraveely still managed to grab the lead despite their numerical disadvantage but a goal on the stroke of half time and two more in the second period ensured Lisbellaw got off the mark for the season.
“We’re just happy to get back to winning ways,” said Lisbellaw manager Andy Reilly. “We just couldn’t do anything right in the first two games but hopefully normal service is resumed. Fair play to Magheraveely who, if they fight like that in every game, will give anyone a run for it. Hopefully we can get a few more regulars back as well as our two signings and try and push up the league.”
Magheraveely’s Rodney McVitty was disappointed with the final result but was able to take plenty of positives from the match. “It was an excellent performance from the lads,” he said. “The sending off and the goal just before half time changed the game but I can’t fault the lads for effort. We played 60 minutes with ten men against the champions and took the lead, so we can’t be too despondent. It’s going to be tough this season but we knew that and it wasn’t a bad start. We have three tough games in a row with Lisbellaw away, Strathroy at home and Town away, it doesn’t come much tougher than that to start off but if the boys put in the same performance as that every week we will pick up enough points.”
Magheraveely were missing a handful of first team regulars including their captain, and with a wounded Lisbellaw looking to make amends for their poor start to defence of their title they started quickly with lively winger Chrissy Nixon causing Magheraveely debutant Jamie Coalter all sorts of trouble before teeing up Tiarnan Magee for a well taken goal at the back post. 
This spurred the champions on and only for some good goalkeeping from Wiggins and some desperate last ditch tackling from Matthew Morrison they could have added to the lead. Raymie Carroll should have done better with a header when well placed and Magheraveely made them pay for their missed opportunities when Matty Irwin picked up ball in midfield and George Williamson ran onto his pass and slotted past the keeper.
It took a vital tackle from Glen McCleery to prevent Warren Stewart from breaking through for Magheraveely again, and although it looked as though the Lisbellaw were in pole position with the dismissal of Morrison, the visitors took the lead when Stewart scored got on the end of Joseph Williamson free kick to score. Andy Little almost made it three, but on the stroke of half time Matty Woods rifled home from the edge of the box to level it up.
The second half saw Magheraveely fight and defend with great courage but eventually the numerical advantage told. Fresh legs late on would make the difference for the ‘Law and substituteScott Grey nudged them in front before the dangerous Woods bagged his second of the game. He could have had a hat-trick following terrific build up play from Magee and Lindsay but his off target shot did not affect the outcome as Lisbellaw got their season up and running.